By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
REGGIO EMILIA, Italy – Before Italy-Iceland could even start tonight, Gianmarco Pozzecco’s team already knew its fate as Turkiye’s victory gave them the official qualification for EuroBasket 2025.
The Icelandic national team, on the other side, had to still fight for a spot in the competition, which they were missing in 2022 after making it to EuroBasket 2015 and 2017. That’s why they gave it all on the court, ultimately finishing their road trip with an 81-74 win.
Kristinn Palsson was the surprising hero for Craig Murray Arne Pedersen’s team with 22 points off the bench. The team’s captain Elvar Fridriksson went close to a double-double with 15 points and 8 assists.
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Talking about the Azzurri hosts, Giampaolo Ricci led the way with 18 points and 6 rebounds, shooting 5/8 from beyond the arc. Reggio Emilia’s born and raised Nicolò Melli gave the best for his country as captain by almost getting a double-double with 9 points and 11 boards.
This was also Dame Sarr’s debut with the national team, as the 2006-born guard from FC Barcelona played his first minutes with Italy’s senior side. However, he was scoreless.
As the two teams shared offensive possessions to start the game at 4-4, the Icelandic national team quickly ran away and took control of the game with an impressive 12-0 run. Entering the fourth, they were up 58-56 and they didn’t lose control of the encounter, going back home with an upset.
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PHOTO CREDIT: FIBA Basketball
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